Have you ever wondered why your back hurts with your cycle, PCOS and endometriosis?
The uterus is supported by many important ligaments that help provide it with support and blood supply. Some of these ligaments attach too structures around the pelvis and sacrum to help support the uterus. These include:
- Board ligament; attaches the sides of the uterus to the pelvis
- Round ligament; attaches to the front of the uterus and pubic bone
- Uterosacral ligament; extends from the cervix to the sacrum
There is also the ovarian ligaments and cardinal ligaments that are important in the function of the uterus. Inflammation can put pressure on the surrounding ligaments and create tension in the attachments sites. This can cause pain and discomfort in the low back, pelvis and hip joints.
This 
can look like;
- deep, diffuse and difficult to localise
- Difficult to reproduce with movement or positions
- Pain is unaffected by rest or activity
- Muscle spasm or rigidity
- Changes in the skin around the area (sweating, dryness, redness or changes in sensation)
The nerve supply for the uterus comes from different areas of our lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. These nerves transport signals to the brain and back again. While the brain is an extraordinary structure, it has tendencies to get pain messages confused. This we call Viscero-somatic Referral.
Viscero-somatic referral is when pain experienced in an organ, is felt in the corresponding area of the back where the nerve supply comes from. The uterus has a nerve supply from our lower thoracic, upper lumbar and sacral nerves. Therefore, pain messages from the uterus and ovaries can be felt in our low back and pelvic joint.
This pain is normally describe as a vague, dull ache across the hips, pelvis, lumbar and lower thoracic spine.
As osteopaths, we are educated on viscero-somatic referral and how to treat and manage the pain moving forward.
Treatment can include;
- soft tissue release around the hips, low back and pelvic joints
- Ligament balancing techniques
- Traction to decompress the associated joints
- Cupping
- Taping to support the lumbar spine and pelvis
If you are experiencing pain associated with hormones, PCOS or endometriosis. Call to ask if osteopathy can help you today.